Landcare networks in the Central Tablelends will benefit from NSW Government funding aimed to unlock the full potential of the thousands of volunteers in the Landcare network.

Landcare networks in the Central Tablelands were successful in their application to host 5 Local Landcare Coordinator positions in the region.

Watershed Landcare will host one of these positions. The funding will also support Little River Landcare, Central Tablelands Landcare and Mid Lachlan Landcare to host Local Landcare Coordinators and will support the formation of a new network in the Lithgow/Oberon area.

“This new position has been made possible by the NSW Government's $15 million 2015-19 NSW Local Landcare Coordinator Initiative.” said Watershed Landcare Chairman, Craig Dennis.

Landcare groups are community organisations and do not have a guaranteed source of funding. Funding for projects, events and on-ground works is obtained through a competitive bidding process, which often does not allow for coordination of groups and networks.

The program reflects the sentiment of the Memorandum of Understanding between Local Land Services and Landcare NSW. It has been designed to put Landcare on a more sustainable funding footing, with the majority of the funds going to community-based local coordinator positions.

The new Local Landcare Coordinator position will increase Watershed Landcare's capacity to support and increase community engagement; extend coverage and provide support to more groups, networks and landholders; undertake planning, develop partnerships and secure resourcing through project grants and other sources; and effectively participate in natural resource management activities that address critical agricultural sustainability and environmental issues.

Watershed Landcare has engaged Claudia Wythes as the new Local Landcare Coordinator.

“This will enable us to deliver more projects, increase community engagement and build resilience in our local community.” said Mr Dennis

“On behalf of the Watershed Landcare committee I would like to welcome Claudia to our team.” he continued.

This initiative is part of the NSW Government’s Local Landcare Coordinators Initiative, supported through the partnership of Local Land Services and Landcare NSW.